Mason City, Ia. – U.S. Rep. Ron Paul insisted today he’s no longer a fringe candidate and more Americans are embracing his philosophy of personal liberty and limited government, which he believes increases his chances of being competitive in the 2012 Iowa caucuses.

“We are mainstream if you believe in the things that I believe in,” the Texas Republican told an overflow crowd of about 125 people during a midday speech in a banquet room at the Rose Bowl lanes in Mason City. He said that’s part of what happened in the last election with the success of the tea party movement and the growth of the Republican Party.

Paul, who ran for president in 1988 as the Libertarian Party nominee, has long had a devoted group of followers who have enthusiastically endorsed his criticism of runaway federal spending and government overreach. But some political analysts have contended his views – particularly his laser-like focus on obeying the U.S. Constitution – have been too narrow for him to be elected president. He finished fifth in the 2008 Iowa Republican caucuses with 10 percent support.

Paul maintained today that mainstream American political attitudes are changing, and more people are agreeing with his approach. Increasing numbers of independent-minded people and others who have felt disenfranchised by many American politicians are identifying with the Republican Party, he added.

Paul spoke for about 30 minutes to a crowd that repeatedly applauded his remarks, warning the nation faces serious problems from a federal government that’s out of control. The situation could lead to steep inflation, higher unemployment and a reduced standard of living for Americans, he said .

The larger the government, the more rules and regulations and the less prosperity the society will have, he contended.

“It is a very subtle, if not direct, attack on the way we live,” Paul said.

The congressman, whose campaign slogan is “Restore America Now,” criticized the Patriot Act, which was passed in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, in an effort to prevent future terrorist attacks. He said it has resulted in a “tremendous undermining of your civil liberties” and it is not necessary for the federal government to know “every single thing about you.”

Paul has been labeled “Dr. No” for his frequent and bashing of what he considers to be unwise federal policies, but he made no apologies for his statements which have earned that title.

“Who wants to be negative?” he said. “But, of course, if they are burning your house down and burning down your freedoms, you want to say no. I think most people know that I am saying no to big government.”

Several people who attended Paul’s talk here gave the congressman glowing marks afterward.

“I thought he was right on. I like everything that he says about strengthening the economy and getting the dollar strong,” said Lisa Yunek of Mason City, whose son, Scott Raridon Jr., is Paul’s campaign chairman in Polk County.

Eric Grote, a retired Air Force captain from Hampton, said he agrees with Paul’s stance in support of bringing U.S. troops home from Afganistan, Iraq and other military interventions.

“I m sick and tired of wars around the world. He’s really the only guy actually pushing to get us out of there. All of the rest of them are just double-talking,” Grote said.

During a question and answer period after his talk, Paul asked if there is a need for a group of Iowans to fly to New Jersey today in an effort to recruit Gov. Chris Christie as a Republican presidential candidate. Paul remarked, “I don’t know if there is a need for that, but there is certainly a right to do it. I guess it depends upon somebody’s opinion.”

The congressman also praised Christie, saying he has taken strong positions against the growth of government and deficit spending. “I think he has a very good reputation,” Paul said, adding he takes Christie at his word that he has just begun a very difficult job and won’t seek the presidency.